New England

January, 2001
Regional Report

Local Buzz

Master Gardener Course
Winter is a great time to sign up and become a Master Gardener. Many states in our region offer this course of study through the winter. In exchange for professionals teaching you all about horticultural topics, from lawns to vegetable and perennial flowers, you are asked to volunteer on a community project or answer gardening questions for other gardeners once you complete the course.

These courses are usually run by the Cooperative Extension Service through your state's land-grant university. Contact your state university for class times and fees to become a Master Gardener.

Shows & Events

Roses for Beginners Workshop
There is no better time to plan a new rose garden than late winter or early spring. Join Armand J. Lapierre, author, American Rose Society member, and rose grower (many of them blue ribbon winners) for over 30 years to learn the basics of good rose growing. All stages of rose cultivation will be covered: purchasing, soil preparation, planting, fertilizing, soil pH, watering, spraying, pruning, mulching, and winter protection. Rose types from heirloom to patio will be covered.

The class will be held at Tower Hill Botanic Garden in Boylston, Massachusetts, on Saturday, February 10, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The fee for members is $36, for nonmembers $39. Call (508) 869-6111 for more information.